Too many conflicts in innovation, says ATSE

The Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has called for a whole of government approach to innovation, enhanced incentives to undertake innovation and better collaboration between commercial organisations and publicly funded research institutions (PFRIs).

ATSE said the whole of government approach was required because there were too many conflicts and gaps in the delivery of existing programs, which impeded the way of the effective functioning of Australia's innovation system.

ATSE also called for strategically focused R&D funding in PFRIs, to stimulate the growth of knowledge-based industries, and development of a comprehensive skills strategy to increase the number of graduates from university engineering, technology and science courses.

ATSE technical director, Professor Vaughan Beck FTSE, said enhanced collaboration should include the establishment of innovation clusters.

"It is essential that the government maintain funding support for basic science," Beck said.

"Enhanced collaboration is also essential and should include additional funding for linkage grants and access to human capital, such as placement of students and graduates in innovating organisations.

"We also recommend greater flexibility in existing funding mechanisms that support innovating organisation " and acceptance by government of the greater risk involved. It is also important to provide mechanisms for institutions to access funding for research that has potential high commercial outcomes."

The ATSE submission highlighted a number of key policy issues requiring attention, including increased capability to use knowledge generated elsewhere, the innovation transfer from the science base to the business sector and an increase in the national investment in the skills required to prosper in a knowledge economy.

For further information, visit The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.